Foot Prints in the Sand

What if Lazarus had decided that he did not want to "Come forth!"? After all, he was now in paradise with his Heavenly Father. The pain and disease that had killed him, had been left behind. On returning from the dead, he would face certain persecution, pain and murder (John 12:10). Did Lazarus have a choice? I believe so, otherwise why would Jesus call to Lazarus. The answer lies in heaven, where our will, will be at one with the perfect will of the Father. When Jesus calls, our immediate desire must be to follow.

When Jesus calls, it is not to passive "membership", but to strong, positive action - "Come", "Go", "Follow", "Love". But so often on this side of heaven, our response to "Follow me!", is "I can't", "I don't have any ability", "what about .......", "I'm afraid". Conversely, sometimes we move off on our own and ask Jesus to "Follow us"! (check out the excuses in Ex.3:10-12, Lk.9:57-62). But we are told, "I am with you always, even to the ends of the earth" (Matt.28:20), "With God, all things are possible" (Lk.18:27).

One of the greatest "discoveries" of missioning, is that no matter where or into what circumstance we are called, Jesus has already gone before us. It is like Robinson Crusoe landing on a desert island and finding foot prints in the sand.

This week, pray with your eyes, looking for the foot prints of Jesus crossing the pathways of your life. Hear Him call. Listen for the knock of opportunity on your door. Most of all, Follow, Go forth, Love! Be "Doers" of the Word, not just listeners (Jas.1:22).

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